Rev. Dr. Warren A. Smith Jr. affectionally known as "Smitty" was born on December 30, 1937, in Texarkana, Arkansas to Samatha McKinney and Warren Smith Sr.  Rev. Smith was the oldest of 11 sisters and brothers.  Rev. Smith was a loving husband, father and a devout Christian whose life was deeply defined by his faith in God.  Rev. Smith graduated from Booker T. Washington High School as valedictorian in 1955 where he later returned to teach high school speech and English.

Rev. Smith was a trailblazer whose legacy resonates through generations. A proud graduate of Jarvis Christian University he made history as the founder of the first men's social club, Les Chevaliers, served as the senior class president (1963) and shined as a walk-on on the Bulldog's football team where he earned the name "Warhoss."  His quest for academic excellence led him to seek further education at St. John's University where he received his Doctor of Philosophy in sociology in 1987 after he received his master's degree from Utah State University in 1969.  He received an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Natchez College in 1985 and completed additional studies at Hastings College and Texas A&M University.

Rev. Smith was born a servant leader and educator who mentored generations and faithfully shepherded multiple congregations as a Baptist pastor for over 50 years. He was a man of wisdom and a pillar in both the mental health profession and his community. His legacy includes fostering faith, education, and advocacy for the less fortunate.  Professionally, Rev. Smith worked as a counselor at the Southwest Arkansas Counseling and Mental Health Center for over 45 years where his faithful stewardship and commitment to improve the mental health of those under his care enabled him to accomplish as much as any man can. At his retirement celebration held on June 18, 2016, he received congratulatory letters and commendations from Ruth Penney Bell, Mayor of Texarkana, Arkansas, Governor Asa Hutchinson and President Barack Obama.  Rev. Smith was always impeccably dressed and was a master linguistics and a phenomenal orator who was once on the same program as former President Bill Clinton who made the remark prior to his speech saying, "Don't y'all ever put me on program to speak behind Rev. Smith again."

Rev. Smith has received numerous awards during his lifetime including, NAACP President's award, Jarvis Christian University Football Hall of Fame Award and the Texarkana Alumni Association living Legend award.  He also served as Vice-President of the Texarkana Board of Education, Jarvis Christian University Board of Trustees, served on the Board of Directors for the Jamison Center of Kindness, a charter member and former president and treasurer of the Jarvis Christian University Texarkana Alumni Association, former president of the National Association of Jarvis Christian University Alumni Association, a member of the Baptists Ministerial Alliance, Associate Pastor of Mt. Orange Baptist Church, Associate Pastor of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church and the founder of New Jerusalem Baptist Church.

Rev. Smith was a devoted family man who was preceded in death by the love of his life, his loving wife Geraldine Maxwell Smith, who were married for over 60 years.

Left to cherish his memories are his children:  Yolonda Smith-Simpkins of DeSoto, TX. Warren A. Smith III, Texarkana, TX, Tammy LeSueur of Dallas, TX.  Special Nieces: Yvonne Smith-Brown (Edgar) of Redwater, TX and Jacqueline Ibisanni of Dallas, TX. Special Nephew: Anthony Brigham (Tammy), Sisters: Margret Ann Polite of Nashville, TN, Nell Davis (Dave) of Gilmer, TX and Lois Owens of Ft. Smith, AR. Grandsons: Crispin Denmon (Quantella), and Gabriel Denmon. Grand-daughters Chelsea LeSueur, Brianna LeSueur and JaVonn Nicholas. Five great-grandchildren, Special Sister-in-law: Lynette Maxwell and a host of niece's nephews and other relatives, friends and the countless lives touched by his unwavering commitment to service. Well done, good and faithful servant!

Rev. Smith was called home to be with the LORD peacefully at his home at 11:15am on Monday July 6, 2026.